Not everyone will get the chance to escape to the lake or seaside this summer but if you've got some outdoor space, you can at least bring elements of the beach to your own backyard. Short of suggesting everyone install a pool, here are five ways to make your staycation feel a little more exotic.
Left: A photo from my vacation in Varadero, Cuba last fall
A Place To Relax
From the left: Teak Chaise, Pottery Barn; Wood Slat Single Lounger, West Elm; Arholma Chaise Lounge, Ikea
Sure, you could throw a towel on the grass and think beachy thoughts but an outdoor chaise longue makes sunbathing (with SPF for the warmth not the rays of course) a lot more luxurious. What beach resort worth its daiquiris doesn't have loungers on the beach?
For an even more luxurious — and UV-Ray-protected — lounging experience, why not install your own backyard cabana? The kind made with banana leaf roofs may be hard to find but this one from Dedon (while not cheap) will certainly do the trick.
From the left: Orbit from Dedon; Orbit as seen on Take It Outside
Made In the Shade
If you don't spring for the cabana, you'll need an umbrella next to your lounger and extracting the umbrella from your picnic table every time you want to lounge can be a pain. I like this umbrella from Pottery Barn with its blue and white stripes have a nautical feel.
Left: Round Market Umbrella, Pottery Barn
Down by the Boardwalk
Platta Floor Decking, Ikea
These large slatted wood tiles from Ikea could turn an unused patch of grass or concrete into a deck or mini boardwalk. Each piece is 45 cm by 45 cm and costs only $8. You could even deck out a a small terrace or balcony providing you can prevent your wood tiles from falling off the edge.
Play in the Sand
From the left: Chesapeake Sandbox, Pottery Barn Kids; Play Sand, Canadian Tire
I realize it seems silly, especially if you don't have kids but what better way to bring home the beach than with actual sand? If you're not content to sit in a kiddy-size sandbox, construct one yourself (or find someone handy to make it for you). You can find plenty of sandbox plans online. Just adjust them to meet your size requirements and be sure to get a cover so your summer retreat doesn't become a litter box for neighbourhood pets.
Listen to the Surf
Finally, complete your backyard beach experience with the right sound effects. Buy relaxing surf sounds on cd or mp3 — check out Pure White Noise's Gentle Oceans Waves collection — and either blast them from your speakers or play them on your ipod and drift into a seaside dream.
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